Ideas on what to do on days off from the parks?

[DisneyDreams88]

So we leave for Florida on Saturday - will be in the Disney area for 8 days and only going to the parks 3 of those days. What are some fun things to do when not in the parks?

[Drince88]

Personally, I'd add more days to my hopper - but that's not what you asked.
Are the water parks out?
Is your group of the age that would enjoy DisneyQuest? How much time that takes depends on your group.
Shopping in DTD
Mini Golf
Touring other resorts (especially the Deluxe ones)
Ride the monorail and Ferries (take the bus from your resort to the Studios, ferry to the Epcot resorts to walk around, then bus to MK ferry to WL - and walk around there and the campgrounds (there's supposedly a nice path between WL and the campgrounds) - I think there's a ferry to the contemporary from there, tour the monorail resorts - then monorail to Epcot and bus to AKL from there, then bus to DTD. From there, you can take boat to Old Key West and or Saratoga Springs or Port Orleans resorts.

[scoobydooby]

Sorry it's not very Disney but....
Discovery Cove.

[GusMan]

Going along with what Drince mentioned about water parks... if they are an option, add on the Water Parks and More option to your ticket. That way, you can get a lot more out of your costs and can do things such as DisneyQuest as well - all included.

[DisneyDreams88]

Thanks guys - we are actually going to do the Water Park this time- Blizzard Beach it is!!

[mxrapu]

Depending on the ages in your group, I would recommend the space center. I can't wait to go back when my youngest is a little older and will appreciate it.

[carolinakid]

Universal Orlando!!!!!!!!

Universal City Walk is a great place to eat and shop if you're not up for the Studios or Islands of Adventure.

And also check out the Universal Hotels....the Portofino Bay Resort is FABULOUS!

[tappenfeat]

We are doing the same...only a few days at the parks, so we are adding on a visit to one of the water parks. And I agree with ^^^John^^^ Universal City Walk is a great place to walk around and get a bite to eat and shop. It's so lovely in the evenings.

Adding on to what Scooby said...Discovery Cove is an amazing place! One of the most incredible visits we have ever had in Florida. Very $$$, but so worth it!

[mousecanuck]

That's three - Discovery Cove if you can afford it. $170 - $230 (depending on season and dolphin swim option) got us breakfast, lunch, snacks and beer and coolers (I think, I know there was beer but I didn't pay much attention to what else they offered), snacks (baked pretzles, chips, cookies, I don't recall exactly) unlimited and THE best lazy snorkling experience. My kids and DH did the dolphin swim (hint - sign in early and get as early a time as possible if you do it - then you can spend the whole rest of the day enjoying the snorkling, lazy river, etc.) then we got a spot near the manta lagoon and snorkling lagoon and spend hours just soaking it all in. DH and kids really got into the aviary, too - fed the birds for probably an hour, it was really, really cool, unlike anything we've ever done.

Even Sea World, if you've never done it, is pretty cool (it ain't Disney!) There's a lot to see, a couple of stomach churning coasters, MUST feed the mantas, watch Pets Ahoy show, catch the Otter and Sea Lion show (near the end of the day it's hilarious - they change the show to a poke the fun at Sea World shows, at least they did when we were there).

And we didn't shop Universal, but the parks are a good way to spend a day (especially if you haven't ever been and don't care too much) - some neat shows and a few rides at Universal, and Islands of course has some great rides, and if you're at all a Potter fan (or just a really cool ride fan!), you have to do the Forbidden Journey, it was an amazing ride, details aside. If you're a fan, you'll love it!

And I really wish we'd taken the time to go to Kennedy Space centre!

We also spent a few hours at the Outlet Mall near Sea World. Not big shoppers (for that sort of stuff, anyhow), but it you are into name brands it'd be alright. Hit the Character Warehouse, there and got a couple of little things, too.

[NiarrNDisney]

Water parks, round of mini golf, resort hopping!